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North & East Sikkim Highlights – 5‑Day Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Gangtok & City Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Gangtok (≈4 hrs). Check‑in at your hotel and enjoy a light breakfast while overlooking the Himalayas.

Afternoon: Stroll through the lively MG Road for shopping and sample local momos. Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to admire ancient Buddhist manuscripts and thangkas.

Evening: Ride the Gangtok Ropeway to enjoy panoramic sunset views of the city and surrounding peaks. Dine at a rooftop restaurant serving traditional Sikkimese dishes.

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Day 2: North Sikkim – Yumthang Valley & Gurudongmar Lake

Morning: Depart early for Yumthang Valley, the “Valley of Flowers,” where rhododendrons bloom in vibrant colors. Take a short trek to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary.

Afternoon: Continue to the sacred Gurudongmar Lake, one of the world’s highest lakes (≈5,430 m). Enjoy a serene walk along the lake’s edge and soak in the mystical atmosphere.

Evening: Return to Gangtok via Lachen, stopping for a traditional Sikkimese dinner at a local homestay. Relax at the hotel and rest after a full day of high‑altitude travel.

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Day 3: Return to Gangtok & Cultural Immersion

Morning: After breakfast, visit the historic Enchey Monastery and attend a brief meditation session with monks.

Afternoon: Explore the Ravangla** (though technically south, it offers a gentle transition)** and the nearby Rimbi Waterfalls for a relaxing nature walk.

Evening: Return to Gangtok for a cultural show at the Ravindra Bhavan** (cultural center)** featuring traditional dance and music.

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Day 4: East Sikkim – Namchi & Char Dham

Morning: Drive to Namchi**, the capital of South Sikkim,** but serves as a gateway to East Sikkim attractions**. Visit the towering **Statue of Guru Padmasambhava** and the serene **Namchi Monastery**.

Afternoon: Head to the **Char Dham** complex, a replica of the four sacred Hindu shrines, and enjoy panoramic views of the Teesta River valley.

Evening: Return to Gangtok, stopping at the **Samdruptse Hill** for a stunning night view of the illuminated statue of Guru Rinpoche.

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Day 5: East Sikkim – Ravangla, Temi Tea Garden & Departure

Morning: Journey to **Ravangla**, explore the **Ravangla Buddha Park** and take in the serene lake surroundings.

Afternoon: Visit the **Temi Tea Garden**, the only tea estate in Sikkim, for a guided tour of tea processing and a tasting session.

Evening: Return to Gangtok, collect luggage, and transfer to Bagdogra Airport for your departure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • MG Road (Gangtok) – 2 hrs – $0 (shopping optional)
  • Namgyal Institute of Tibetology – 1.5 hrs – $5 entry
  • Gangtok Ropeway – 1 hr – $8 round‑trip
  • Yumthang Valley – 3 hrs – $10 entry
  • Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary – 1 hr – $5 guide
  • Gurudongmar Lake – 2 hrs – $12 permit
  • Enchey Monastery – 1 hr – $0 donation
  • Rimbi Waterfalls – 1 hr – $0
  • Statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Namchi) – 1 hr – $3 entry
  • Namchi Monastery – 1 hr – $2 donation
  • Char Dham (Namchi) – 2 hrs – $4 entry
  • Samdruptse Hill (Guru Rinpoche Statue) – 1 hr – $6 cable car
  • Ravangla Buddha Park – 1 hr – $2 entry
  • Temi Tea Garden – 2 hrs – $10 tour
  • Transportation (private vehicle, 5 days) – 5 days – $300
  • Accommodation (mid‑range, 4 nights) – 4 nights – $240
  • Meals (average $15/day) – 5 days – $75
  • Miscellaneous (tips, permits) – – $30
  • Total Estimated Cost: $795

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in North Sikkim for a visit to the remote **Tashiding Monastery** or a trek to **Lachung** for deeper cultural immersion. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Day 3 and Day 4 by skipping the return to Gangtok and heading straight to Namchi, reducing travel time while still experiencing the key highlights of East Sikkim.

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